Quote:
Originally posted by Dakota
When properly laundered and pressed, they looked much sharper than the mesh pullovers. JMO, of course. Starched with a "military" press, they looked very sharp.
Problem was, too many umpires seemed to just pull it from their bag, where it had been wadded up since the last game, even when occasionally washed, it had never seen starch or felt an iron since it left the factory. Those guys looked 1000x worse than the same guys using the same kind of garment care with the pullovers.
I do like the way I can get away with more casual garment care, even though I do lightly press even the pullovers. (No starch, tho).
BTW, since the ASA Officialgear.com still sells them as official ASA, I guess they are still allowed, subject to local rules.
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I agree about the Elbeco. I always had mine pressed and ready to go. And it is possible to pull them out of your bag without looking too terrible if folded and stowed properly.
However, I can tell you the Elbeco is NOT official ASA gear for championship play. Your local association can do whatever it pleases without ASA's approval. However, once you get to a Regional level, leave them at home.
Many members of the National Staff made a statement last season. Many mailed their umpire crews for the Nationals to which they were assigned and told NOT to bring the Elbeco, that they would not be part of the uniform. Please note that last year, the Elbeco was still the "official" ASA uniform.
Locally, what I do not give to new umpires, I will probably continue to use when working alone or with a partner who will also wear one. I will never have a uniform which is not identical to my partner's no matter what level or where a game is played.
BTW, ASA sells many different things, but that does not make them part of the "official" uniform.